The primary responsibility of Border Patrol agents is to enforce our immigration laws and protect our borders from those that intend to do our nation harm. Unfortunately, instead of supporting our agents, this administration has decided it is more important to find new ways to solicit complaints and invite ridicule against them.

The National Border Patrol Council is dismayed and disappointed that the administration continues to focus on supporting the agendas of extreme pro-illegal immigration groups instead of advocating for additional resources and training for agents and quick implication of a fair compensation system.

After careful review the National Border Patrol Council, the union that represents over 16,500 Border Patrol agents, has concluded that H.R. 399 will do very little to secure the border and is a missed opportunity for Congress to meaningfully address border security. Because of this, Border Patrol agents are advocating that members of Congress vote no on the legislation when it is considered in the House next week.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of New York police officers, Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were gunned down in Brooklyn last month. These brave men gave their lives to protect the community they loved. Their unselfish dedication to their department, their city and their fellow officers is an inspiration to our nation.

The more than 16,500 men and women represented by the National Border Patrol Council stand in support of the slain officers and with all the men and women of the New York Police Department.

It is with extreme regret that the National Border Patrol Council reports the death of Border Patrol Agent Juan Esparza. Agent Esparza was traveling home after completing his shift at the Cotulla, TX Border Patrol Station, when the van he was the driver of was struck head-on by a suspected drunk driver. The passenger, a fellow Border Patrol agent, was severely injured but will survive.

Border Patrol Agent Juan Esparza was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy's 858th Session, had been a Border Patrol agent for six years, and is survived by his parents.

The thoughts and prayers of Border Patrol agents nationwide are with the family of Agent Esparza and his injured partner. This loss is felt profoundly by the Border Patrol family and the millions of Americans who support our Border Patrol agents.